Cops To Heroin Dealers: Not Here

After two significant heroin dealers were arrested during a special police operation that targeted illicit behavior at Monroe County motels, law enforcement officials said the message should be clear to them: stay away.

BY THE NUMBERS

32 arrests (12 felonies, 20 misdemeanors)

66 traffic stops

21 citations

6 new drug cases

$500 seized

Source: Monroe County Sheriff’s Dept.

“These people think they can come to Monroe County to deal their drugs,” said Monroe County sheriff’s Maj. Jeff Kemp. “ Well, we’re here to protect the com­munity. And they’re not welcome here.”

Operation Alpha Hotel was a sting operation conducted dur­ing a month- long period this summer and officials said the re­sults were encouraging and suc­cessful.

A joint task force with the sheri­ff’s office, the Monroe Police De­partment and the U.S. Border Pa­trol resulted in 32 arrests and the confiscation of drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine.

The undercover operation between May and June targeted many motels in several communities along I- 75, S. Dixie Hwy. and Telegraph Rd. Backed by a grant of about $20,000 in federal funds, police set up surveillance at places where complaints of drug activity, prostitution and the possibility of human trafficking were filed.

Maj. Kemp said more than 150 hours were spent observing illegal activity at motels by undercover officers working in five-to eight-hour shifts.

“We really needed to address these issues,” Maj. Kemp said. “ This has been the most successful joint operation we’ve had in a long time.”

In addition to the arrested heroin dealers who were from Ohio and Detroit, police said they developed six other illegal drug cases where criminal charges are pending. Traffic stops also were conducted with 21 tickets issued.

Motels have become increasingly popular staging areas for drug sales and other illegal activity, police said. Monroe police Sgt. Chris Miller said the sting operation was an effective way to let dealers know that their presence is being monitored.

“I think it was definitely successful,” Sgt. Miller said. “It sends a message to those people wanting to come to Monroe County.”

Maj. Kemp said although there was no evidence uncovered of human trafficking, there were several cases of prostitution. None of those involved were underage, he added. Illegal immigrants also were targeted.

The task force, composed of about 20 local and federal law enforcement officers, focused on motels in Frenchtown, Monroe and Bedford townships as well as the City of Monroe. Operation Alpha Hotel was partially funded by “ Operation Stonegarden,” which is a federal grant through the Department Of Homeland Security. Funding is available for a second phase, which is expected to occur this year, Maj. Kemp said.